Darjeeling unrest: "Where did they get illegal arms and money from? Ready to talk to them, we cannot support the violation of the Constitution," Mamata Banerjee said.

Darjeeling unrest: “Where did they get illegal arms and money from? Ready to talk to them, we cannot support the violation of the Constitution,” Mamata Banerjee said.(PTI image)

Darjeeling unrest: Mahesh Gurung, a Gorkhaland Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supporter who was critically injured during the protest in Darjeeling, has succumbed to his injuries, party leader Binay Tamang told news agency Asian News International. “Mahesh Gurung, a GJM supporter who was critically injured succumbed to injuries,” Binay Tamang, Assistant General Secretary, GJM, was quoted as saying by ANI. Meanwhile, GJM chief Bimal Gurung accused state police of illegally entering houses the houses of the protesters and torturing them. “Police officials are illegally entering supporters houses and torturing them, 2 of them killed by police, will strengthen our movement now,” GJM Chief Bimal Gurung said. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also spoke to Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee over law and order situation. The ADG operation told ANI that 36 policemen injured, out of which 20 in hospital, 5 received gunshot injuries and 2 were injured by sharp weapon. He added that police fired non-lethal ammunition and tear gas shells; looking into situation to make necessary security arrangements.

Earlier in the day, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had accused GJM of spreading violence in the state. Speaking to media, Banerjee said that GJM is deliberately fuelling tensions to hide its failures.

The CM added that protesters are spreading violence even as the government is ready for talks. “They aren’t listening to the court also, the Court passed order saying bandh is illegal. Don’t know from where they get support,” Mamata Banerjee said. “5 years you enjoyed, now when elections are coming you start violence because you have lost credentials,” Banerjee added. The chief minister further expressed surprise on how huge arms available to the violent protestors.

“Where did they get illegal arms and money from? Ready to talk to them, we cannot support the violation of the Constitution,” Banerjee said. The chief minister further termed the protest as a deep-rooted conspiracy. “There is a terrorist brain behind this hooliganism and vandalism. Only a terrorist and not a common man can do this. We have got clues that this has terrorist connections. They (GJM) have connections with underground insurgent groups of the north east … I request them (insurgent groups) not to extend any support to the GJM,” Banerjee told reporters at the state secretariat. Banerjee’s comments and the subsequent reaction from GJM came hours after fresh clashes erupted in Darjeeling due to protests. As per the latest updates, two GJM protestors and 1 policemen have been killed in the violence so far.